Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – In a significant diplomatic development, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi met with top Taliban officials in Kabul on Sunday. This marked the first visit by an Iranian foreign minister to the Afghan capital since 2017. Discussions centered on border tensions, the treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran, and the long-standing dispute over water rights.
According to a statement by Afghan government deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat, Aragchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the repatriation of approximately 3.5 million Afghan refugees residing in Iran, emphasizing Tehran’s policy of non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. He also urged the full implementation of the Helmand River water treaty, which governs shared water resources between the two nations.
In response, Acting Afghan Prime Minister Hassan Akhund appealed for the respectful treatment of Afghan refugees in Iran. He cautioned against hasty repatriation efforts, noting the logistical and humanitarian challenges involved. Akhund also condemned recent incidents, including reported executions of Afghans in Iran, which he said had fueled public outrage.
Earlier on Sunday, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency quoted Aragchi expressing hope for strengthened economic ties and improved bilateral relations, acknowledging “ups and downs” in the past.
The meeting comes amidst escalating tensions along the Iran-Afghanistan border and growing international scrutiny over the treatment of refugees and water-sharing agreements in the region. Both sides expressed optimism for future cooperation despite existing challenges.
